870 metal shim

My 870 TC has a metal shim were the stock meets the receiver. The stock does not fit flush with the receiver unless I remove it, then it does fit flush. What is the shim for and can I shoot it without the shim? Thanks

Years ago, the early 870's did not come with a metal shim. The results were usually the wood on the stock that sat up against the metal would have hairline cracks about 1/2 inch sometimes on both sides of the stock.

I have also had stocks that did not fit real well with that metal plate. What I did was take one or two box tops from a box of shells and I would trace the metal plate and cut it out and use that instead of the metal plate. Give it a try and see if the stock fits a bit better.
Steve Balistreri